New Home Construction
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A simplified scenario in case the home has only concrete slab flooring.
Information provided by Leo Moorman, RHMM. Call for questions (970) 416-0196
Use a layer that is at least 4" thick of pea gravel that is approximately 3/8"
in diameter and install a draintile flexible corrugated pipe to PVC or ABS pipe TEE
4" sch.40 penetrating the slab. Use a rubber endcap to close off the stub before
pouring the concrete slab.
Pour the concrete slab.
Caulk all expansion and floor joints flush with caulk as well as floor to wall joints
and around all penetrations through the slab. (Use a liberal amount of caulk, i.e.
fill the grooves completely. For wide cracks use backer rod.).
In
Larimer County (Colorado) perform a test: depending on the subdivision a test
must be done in order to obtain an occupancy permit. The requirement also specifies
whether the home needs to be tested with an active test or that a passive test is
sufficient.
Finish
home and use radon barrier over all rough-in's that have sand exposed.
Live
in home for a couple of weeks and perform a radon test. (Except Larimer County
where the test may have to be done before finishing the home as stated above).
If
a test indicates a radon concentration larger than 4.0 pCi/L but not much larger
than 4.0 pCi/L a passive mitigation system may be sufficient and therefore cost
effective. This means that a 4" diameter schedule 40 pipe system may be installed
completely through the (warm area of the ) house. Such a system is known as a passive
radon mitigation system as opposed to an active system. A radon concentration
test done after this installation shows whether the passive system is sufficient.
A well designed passive system can be transformed into an active system easily
if the test shows that this is necessary.
If
the initial test indicates a radon concentration much higher than 4.0 pCi/L
it may be cost effective and faster to install an active radon mitigation system
at once. An active system has an appropriately sized in-line turbo ventilator placed
in the attic. (With a turn-off switch mounted in the attic and a monitoring manometer
in the basement).
OBVIOUSLY THERE ARE DIFFERENT SCENARIOS FOR VARIOUS
SITUATIONS (e.g. CRAWLSPACE). TO ENSURE THE MOST COST EFFECTIVE INSTALLATION WORK
WITH A NEHA-CERTIFIED RADON SPECIALIST.
For instance in areas with high radon
risk situations (In Ft. Collins CO, 75% of the homes tested above the EPA action
level for mitigation) the builder may decide that on the long run it will be more
cost effective to install a passive system in every home he builds. This means that
the pipe plumbing through the home may be done immediately after the mechanical,
plumbing and electrical installation and before the installation of drywall on the
walls. In addition the builder may allow for an option to the prospective buyer to
install a full active radon system if they desire.
AT RHMM WE ARE CONSULTING
BUILDERS ALL THE TIME, PERFORM NEW HOME RADON TESTING AND WE ARE SPECIALIZED IN TRANSFORMING
A PASSIVE INTO AN ACTIVE SYSTEM ON SHORT NOTICE, QUICKLY AND IN A COST EFFECTIVE
MANNER FOR THE BUILDER.
CALL US AT (970) 416-0196
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